Income Officer – Temporary Accommodation

Income Officer – Temporary Accommodation

Permanent (2.4 positions)

Grade B - £28,598 - £34,434

Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Pay Equity Review

Working 36.5 hours per week

The Income Team in Temporary Accommodation has recently been transitioned into the Rents Service within Finance following a review undertaken to identify areas for improvement in income collection and debt recovery across Temporary Accommodation that supports occupants of Temporary Accommodation and helps them to prevent debts building up and therefore, limiting the overall debt to the Council.

The role of the Temporary Accommodation Income Officer is to maximise income collection and recover arrears in accordance within appropriate legislation, policy, procedures and service standards.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage and monitor Temporary Accommodation charge accounts to ensure timely payments.
• Identify and pursue arrears, negotiating repayment plans.
• Conducting financial assessments and income calculations.
• Liaising with residents providing advice and support on financial matters, benefit entitlement and income-related issues.
• Liaise with external agencies and support services to assist residents.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports on income and arrears.
• Work collaboratively alongside your peers and managers to improve collection rates.
• Working with specific focus on right first, on time every time approach for income and arrears case management.
• Using multiple computer systems to process requests to produce management, audit or other information to complete business process and/or maintain systems.
• Managing and processing occupation charges for temporary accommodation properties.
• Carrying out activities that lead to outcomes for temporary accommodation occupants; delivering financial and digital inclusion and benefit take up to maximise income.
• Assisting with the preparation and presentation of statistical information and written reports on the performance of the team.
• Previous experience in income collection, maximisation and arrears management.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of relevant housing legislation, housing benefit and welfare reform.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in using housing management software and Microsoft Office.

Key Requirements:

This is a challenging position that requires the successful candidate to recognise the needs of the Council to maximise income whilst maintaining its obligations in respect of vulnerable citizens.

The role forms part of a team of Temporary Accommodation Income Officers to ensure General Fund income collection is maximised in accordance with appropriate legislation, policy, procedures and service standards.

The ideal candidate will be experienced in income maximisation and debt recovery within a social housing setting, being proficient in how to use Housing Legislation in the context of income recovery and homelessness with the ability to comprehend and apply housing support regulations, welfare reform, and other relevant legislation.

As a new developing team this is an exciting time to join the service with opportunities in supporting the future design of service delivery as part of the long-term commitment to service excellence and transformation.

Please upload your up-to-date CV via the attachments part of your application, this is required for shortlisting. Unfortunately, we cannot consider any applications without a CV attached

Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people.

We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.

For any informal enquires please contact: Resourcing@birmingham.gov.uk, quoting reference 4465

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken.

Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You can view our Corporate Safeguarding Policy | Birmingham City Council here.

Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.

Job Description and Person Specification